Keep pets safe and comfortable during firework displays this Fourth of July

Keep pets safe and comfortable during firework displays this Fourth of July

(Clayton, NJ) -- With the Fourth of July just around the corner, the Gloucester County Board of Chosen Freeholders would like to remind residents to ensure the safety and comfort of their pets during fireworks displays.

Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said, "While fireworks may be fun for humans, they may not be as enjoyable to our pets. Cats and dogs have heightened hearing and fireworks can seem like big, scary noises that they need to get away from."

The Gloucester County Animal Shelter (GCAS) advises taking multiple steps to ensure the safety and comfort of pets during firework displays. Keeping pets secured inside the home is the most important step in keeping pets comfortable.

Freeholder Dan Christy, Liaison to the Gloucester County Animal Shelter said, "It's important to keep pets inside because not only does it muffle the sound somewhat, but a scared animal will do anything to get away from the thing that is scaring them. Even with fenced-in yards, there is still a risk of your pet escaping to try and get away from the sounds."

"Even if you do plan on keeping your pet inside, we still recommend getting their IDs and microchips updated. It will make finding them much easier if they do somehow get out, helping to eliminate the stress that comes with a lost pet." Said Christy.

The GCAS also recommends keeping pets occupied while they are inside in order to distract from the sounds. Giving them a safe area to hide helps the animals feel safe while treat toys, like Kongs, that require a pet's full attention to play with help keep them and distracted. Ambient noises from TVs or radios also help to mask the noise and help the animal feel comfortable during the display.

These steps not only keep your pets from becoming distressed or anxious, but also cut down on the amount of pets that run away and go missing during firework displays.